I’m aiming for an A-

I was having a discussion with someone recently about how hard we all try (well, okay, about how hard I try). At everything. Really, at everything. Even though I think I’ve stopped trying that hard. They recommended I aim for an A-, instead of an A.

“Instead of an A,” I laughed. “Who aims for an A?” When I was in sixth grade my teacher made up a grade for me, A-WD, A-With Distinction. I had gotten too many A++’s and she needed a new grade for my work.

Now, I may have gotten great grades because I was smart and I worked hard, and I may have gotten great grades because I worked too hard…at everything. In the past I’ve tended to make sure that I always did the best I could. In everything. And when my efforts, or results, were less than stellar, I hated it. And probably myself.

So it was recommended I try for an A- and I like that idea. I may even let myself slip to a B sometimes. Not everything is worth doing perfectly. Not everything is worth the extra effort. And besides, many would argue, there is no such thing as perfect. Or perhaps – the Zen way – everything is perfect just as it is?

I’m aiming for an A-. I’m stopping the blog here, not writing more, and letting it (and me) be enough. I’m going to go enjoy the rest of my day, rather than working towards my A-WD.

2 Comments

Edmond A. Tiryak
on 09/27/2013 at 7:04 am

Have you ever heard the phrase, “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” There is nothing wrong with striving for the best sometimes, that can be a good thing. Just don’t let it turn into a minimum standard, unless you are prepared for the consequences, stress and failure.